In his early life Đèo Văn Trị had studied as a monk at Wat Xieng Thong temple in Luang Phrabang. In 1887 during the Haw wars when his brothers were captured and held prisoner by the Siamese, Đèo Văn Trị's Dai soldiers together with Chinese Black Flag Army soldiers, sacked Luang Phrabang. Auguste Pavie prevented the capture of the ailing local ruler Oun Kham and had him taken to safety but Đèo Văn Trị captured the local uparat prince Souvanna Phomma and executed him on June 8, 1887. Đèo Văn Trị used the temple as his headquarters, along with Wat Suwannaphumaham, sparing them any damage. Pavie allied with Đèo Văn Trị and France recognised him as leader of Sip Song Chau Tai in 1890.